A conversation with… Matchstickmen

A conversation with… Matchstickmen

One of the bands currently on our radar is Matchstickmen, the ballsy rockers from Liverpool. We are happy to report that Matchstickmen took their time to answer a few questions, some related to music, others not so much…

1. Please tell us about how and when Matchstickmen formed and briefly introduce yourself and the other members.

Lewis: I’m the singer, we’ve got pee on guitar, Iain on bass & “Dangerous” Dave being lazy and sitting down behind the drums. The idea of Matchstickmen started a long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away and we’ve been torching each other ever since.

Peter: We’ve had more members than Deep Purple.

2. What artists are your main influence?

Lewis: Mine are Lynyrd Skynyrd, Pearl Jam, Life Of Agony and Alice In Chains.

Peter: Joe Bonamassa, Led Zeppelin, Hendrix.

Iain: Between Pink Floyd to the Skynyrd via Five Finger Death Punch and AC/DC.

Dave: 36 Crazyfists all the way..there’s more but not as good!

3. How would you describe Matchstickmen’s style or genre of music?

Dave: Something for everyone, we wouldn’t want to limit things by stickin it in a genre box.

Peter: But if we did… balls out rock.

4. How did you get into music and how did Lewis learn to sing?

Iain: With the onset of boybands and manufactured drivel, screaming solo’s and power chords were the way forward. Being playing since I was 14.

Peter: Got into playing guitar when I was 16 when my mate wanted to start a band and I lied and said I could play guitar to join so I went home and learnt to play.

Lewis: When I was younger, I used to be in a school choir and secretly sing to a vinyl of the Phantom of The opera with my Mum at home… I was obviously the phantom lol. Once puberty hit, I had to learn to sing again and by then rock & roll was in my veins and the operatic style of singing I did with my Mum have helped strengthen my voice. I still use operatic style warm-ups today.

5. You recently joined the label Holier Than Thou Records. What lead you to this decision and how has it worked out so far?

Dave: It was an easy decision really and it’s worked out exactly how we’d hoped!

Peter: It’s got us better coverage and they seem lovely.

Lewis: We wanted to progress up the rock food chain and HTT Records can help us do that.
It’s great working with David and co, they get what we are trying to do.

6. You released the first single “Cheap Little Thrill” and the 2nd single “Imperfection” from the upcoming album “From Our Own Ashes” already. How were those songs recieved?

Peter: The reviews have been good so far and most people who’ve heard them live seem to like it. Either that or they’re really good at lying.

Lewis: We’ve gone in a slightly heavier direction with the new stuff so we were intrigued to see what the fans and the press thought of the move… like Pee said, the reviews have been positive so far and we have a lot of tasty treats left to unleash. The big surprise for me is that “Imperfection” has become a fan favourite in such a short space of time, it’s crazy!

H. What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?

I. What profession would you not like to do?

Lewis: Be Susan Boyle’s ThongPeter: Being Justin BieberIain: Waste management officer. Prostitute, although it pays well I’m scared of big willies an penises in general!Dave: Prostitute, although it pays well I’m scared of big willies and penises in general!

J. If Heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates?

Lewis: I think mine would either be “You give it a go lad!” or “Sorry to tell you this… but you’ve got the wrong floor.”Peter: “Alright lad. Hendrix is over there. Go say hi.”Iain: “Epic man. Simply epic! ”Dave: “Hey Dave… or should I say the messiah part 😉 I’m sorry I didn’t tell you before but I didn’t want to give you a big head!”

Thank you for taking your time to answer our questions, Matchstickmen!